Utilization of activated carbon from coconut shell in remediating heavy metal waste in soil around mining area

Abstract

Soil contamination by liquid waste that containing heavy metals in Jendi Village, Selogiri Sub-District, Wonogiri Regency has occurred for a long time. This situation is affected by the Traditional Gold Mining activity in that region. To overcome this problem, the authors utilize activated carbon from coconut shell as an easy, effective and environmentally friendly remediation method. In this research, activated carbon is believed can adsorb heavy metal waste around the gold mine area. This research was conducted from August 9, 2017 - December 28, 2017 by taking samples of waste in the gold mine area and applying 200 ml of the waste to a soil miniature. Parameters observed were Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that the existence of heavy metal in soil is decreasing. So, the activated coconut shell carbon effectively in remediating soil that contaminated heavy metal waste.